Job Description
The role of the Innovation and EU Funding Manager involves leading the development and implementation of strategic objectives in innovation and EU funding within a national sports organization.
This position will coordinate and support innovation and EU funded projects across various units and the broader sports sector, including Local Sports Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport, and relevant partner organizations.
The successful candidate will report to the Director of Research and Innovation and work closely with the Research Manager and Evaluation Manager as well as managers in other departments to ensure the effective development of innovative programmes and investments in the sports sector.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Develop Strategic Plan: Create and proactively manage a plan for innovation in Irish sport aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.
2. Implement High Performance Innovation Plan: Drive the implementation of the High Performance Innovation Plan.
3. Manage Innovation Funds: Oversee the management and development of Innovation and Digital Transformation Funds, reviewing and evaluating the impact of the Funds and sharing learnings internally and with the sector.
4. Bilateral Relationships: Develop strategic relationships with public sector, private sector, and academia to identify and deliver opportunities for innovation in sport.
5. Innovation Opportunities: Identify innovation opportunities with key stakeholders, working in collaboration with relevant units within the organization.
6. Funding and Partnerships: Identify and apply for suitable funding and/or partnership opportunities where appropriate.
7. Innovation Capacity Building: Develop, coordinate, and support the delivery of innovation capacity building programmes.
8. Commission Reports: Commission and disseminate reports on innovation in sport.
9. Presentation Skills: Present on behalf of the organization to both staff and external stakeholders.
10. Event Management: Lead and deliver event management including Sport Innovation and EU funding events, meetings, and workshops.
11. EU Funding Roadmap: Develop and deliver an EU funding roadmap for the organization.
12. Training and Meetings: Deliver or commission training and host meetings on EU funding opportunities to the sector.
13. Project Support: Support the effective implementation of EU projects, including ESF+ and Erasmus+ programmes.
14. Financial Management: Oversee the financial management and take responsibility for the submission of financial claims of relevant EU projects.
15. Stakeholder Relationships: Build strategic relationships with EU funding stakeholders and represent the organization at International and European events.